Your Business Website Is Your Company’s Shop Window 

One of the most common questions we get asked is: What should a business consider when choosing someone to build their website?

I’m not a web developer—I don’t code. But with 20+ years of experience managing hundreds of web projects (some more successful than others!), I’ve gained valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t.

 

Here are my top 10 considerations when selecting a web developer or agency to build your business website:

 

1️⃣ Define Your Business Goals & Requirements

Clear objectives are crucial. Many projects start simple but become complicated if not properly scoped.

✔ Identify your business needs: Informational site, e-commerce, booking system, etc.
✔ Think ahead: Will it need to integrate with other systems? How scalable should it be?

 

2️⃣ Review Case Studies & Ask for References

✔ Choosing someone with experience in your industry is a huge advantage.
✔ Ask for relevant case studies and whether you can contact past clients.

 

3️⃣ Understand the Build Process & Platform

✔ Will they use WordPress, a custom CMS, or something else?
✔ Agree on what you’ll be able to manage post-launch (e.g., adding pages, updating content, uploading blogs/products).
✔ Will you be reliant on them for changes? If so, clarify ongoing costs and support.

 

4️⃣ Hosting Matters

✔ Where will the website be hosted, and what security and backup solutions exist?
✔ What happens if hosting fails? What are the service level agreements?

 

5️⃣ Marketing & Visibility

A website is like a shop—without visibility, it’s on a road no one visits!
✔ Ensure it’s optimized for speed, mobile use, and search engines.
✔ Ask about their strategy for SEO, load times, and user experience.

 

6️⃣ Clarify Ownership & Access

✔ Ensure you own the domain, hosting account, and website content—not the developer.
✔ Request full admin access to avoid future dependency.

 

7️⃣ Discuss Ongoing Maintenance & Support

✔ Websites need regular updates, security patches, and technical support.
✔ If you plan to manage it yourself, ask if training is provided.

 

8️⃣ Compare Pricing vs. Value

✔ Prices will vary significantly. Do your due diligence to avoid costly mistakes.
✔ The cheapest option isn’t always best—it could cost more if you need to rebuild.

 

9️⃣ Evaluate Communication & Workflow

✔ A good developer should communicate clearly and keep you informed.
✔ Ask about their workflow, timelines, and how they handle revisions.

 

🔟 Design & Inspiration

✔ Share examples of websites you like (even outside your industry) to guide design.
✔ This saves time and ensures they align with your vision.

 

By following these steps when building your business website, you can avoid common pitfalls and make an informed decision. Your business website is a key asset—getting it right from the start sets you up for long-term success! 🚀